TV chef Carrie Robbins (aka The Negligee Gourmet) thinks her archrival Philip Mallory is the ultimate food snob, but the network wants them to tape a cooking series together. The stuffy Brit just doesn't get Carrie's take on cuisine: serving up a mouthwatering dish while dressed like one. Well, if he can't take the heat, he can get out of the kitchen! Only, after she and Philip share a stimulating session of beating and whipping--eggs, that is!--Carrie realizes two things. First, that even though the so-called king of cooking is as difficult as a chocolate souffle, he's even more delicious. And second, that one taste isn't going to be nearly enough....
4 Stars! ~ Carrie Robbins was gorgeous, sexy and smart; and she deserved respect, not only for the wonderful person she was but for her talents as a Master Chef. Working at Chez Martin’s has been horrendous, but it’s the best restaurant in New Orleans, so leaving has never been an option. That is until she’s offered her own show for the Let’s Cook, New Orleans! Network, as the Negligee Gourmet. Carrie’s not crazy at dressing in skimpy outfits, but the money’s good and she’s hoping that she’ll be able to have more input once she proves her worth to the Network. Philip Mallory began his on-air culinary career in the UK. After a debacle with a female Sous Chef, he brought his show to N.O. Now the Network wants him to help with the summer ratings by co hosting a week-long special with Carrie. He doesn’t want any part of it, esp. as he’s been lusting after Carrie ever since she dunned her first on air negligee. And when they’re in the kitchen, the heat is from more than just the oven and it’s more than the tenderloin that’s on fire.
I have to admit when the book began, an image of Hugh Grant as he was in Four Weddings and a Funeral came to mind for the role of Philip. Just the tone and the dialogue fit perfectly. The chemistry is electric, the love scenes are very hot. The story seemed to lag a bit in the middle until their first kiss, and then, oh my! … the heat kicked up Carrie and Philip make a great couple. I loved the Epilogue that nicely brought us up to date with all four couples. A very enjoyable series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked the story, chemistry, and banter between the characters. The mental image the following excerpt described made me laugh.
She wore a tiny pink nightie fashioned out of some alarmingly see-through fabric and feathers. And thank God for the feathers, Phillip thought, which strategically covered her breasts....
"...I saw her in the hall. So much for asking her to wear more, eh?'" Phillip closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the chair. "Clearly that wasn't one of my better plans." "We all make mistakes," Rupert said soothingly. Phillip snorted. "She's getting to you, isn't she?" He lifted his head and glared at him. "You saw her. What do you think?" Rupert smiled. "I think it's a miracle you don't have a mouthful of feathers."